Road Trip Tips: Part One of The Road Trip Series

Pack the car and let's get going! Below you will find some introductory tips for planning and executing an accessible road trip. Stay tuned for parts two and three for more suggestions!

Preliminary Research: Laying the Groundwork

Before hitting the road, it’s essential to do some research:

• Book accommodations in advance – Not every hotel or Airbnb will have accessible rooms available, especially in popular destinations. Stay tuned for our “Tips for Booking Accessible Accommodations” blog post coming soon!

  
  

• Research destinations ahead of time – Check whether attractions, parks, and restaurants are wheelchair or sensory-friendly.

  
  

• Pack wisely – Bring extra medications, a wheelchair repair kit, comfort items, and any necessary assistive devices.

  
  

• Plan your transportation – Use tools like EZ Pass for toll roads, and make sure your vehicle is serviced before leaving.

Useful Websites and Resources for Planning

1. Disability EmpowHer Network – Road Trip Tips – Offers practical tips for preparation, from packing extra medical equipment to using the Access Pass for free entry to U.S. national parks.

2. HPI NGO – Planning an Accessible Road Trip – Highlights how to budget extra time, map out rest stops, and use accessibility apps like ACCESS NOW.

3. Emerging Horizons – 22 Accessible Road Trips – A resource with recommended U.S. road trip routes that can be made accessible.

4. Calm Mama Revolution – Sensory Strategies – Offers guidance for families traveling with neurodiverse children.

Must-Have Apps for Accessible Travel

• AccessNow – Helps locate accessible venues worldwide.

• Be My Eyes – Supports travelers with visual impairments by connecting them with volunteers for assistance.

• Google Maps – Offers features like wheelchair-accessible public transit navigation and detailed information on the accessibility of various locations. 

• Aira – Provides access to trained professionals that can help with navigation through unknown spaces through remote video interpreting.

Safety Measures

Taking steps to ensure your safety can go a long way when preparing for a road trip. Consider the following safety tips:

Emergency Contacts & Medical Facilities

• Keep a list of local emergency contacts

  
  

• Research nearby hospitals, urgent care clinics, and pharmacies at each stop along your route

  
  

• Save contacts for specific services, such as wheelchair repair shops or medical equipment rental centers

  
  

• Use apps like Google Maps or AccessNow to locate nearby accessible medical facilities quickly

  
  

Travel Insurance for Disability-Specific Needs

• Ensure your travel insurance covers pre-existing conditions, medical equipment, or mobility assistance

  
  

• Check policies for trip interruptions caused by health emergencies or accessibility issues

  
  

• Some providers offer additional coverage for service animals or specialized medical devices

  
  

• Keep digital and physical copies of your insurance card and policy details

  
  

Vehicle & Route Preparedness

• Have your vehicle serviced before the trip, including brakes, tires, and wheelchair lifts or ramps if applicable

  
  

• Keep an emergency kit with spare medications, first aid supplies, snacks, and water

  
  

• Consider using apps like Google Maps to stay up to date on detours and road closures

  
  

Allergies & Medication

• Print out a list of your allergies prior to your trip. Consider using our Beta Allergy Card Generator!

  
  

• Bring extra medications and a temperature-controlled container so that your medications don’t get too hot or too cold

Miscellaneous Tips:

• When planning hikes, consider your terrain and steepness. Elevation gain can impact a wheelchair’s battery life and can be important for planning accessible routes. AllTrails clearly maps out trails and indicates elevation/terrain.

  
  

• For motorized scooter and wheelchair users, consider mapping out charging locations in advance so that you don’t run out of power on the go!

  
  

• It’s important to plan “recovery afternoons”, especially after long car rides or days on the move. Alternating heavy sightseeing days with more relaxed days can help prevent fatigue.

  
  

Hopefully these tips are helpful while preparing for your road trip. Remember to enjoy every minute of the trip. Sometimes road trips can feel long and tiring, but they can be the source of some of the best memories! Stay tuned for Part Two of our Road Trip series!